Dec 2018

My old college roommates and I went to Denver for the first time to celebrate New Years Eve.

Day 1:

We flew from home to Denver International Airport and it’s only a two hour flight from where we are. For some reason, I thought it was a lot further. Thank goodness it was short! We took a lyft to Hertz to our rental car, checked into our Airbnb (luckily our host let us check in early), got ready, went to grab a quick sandwich bite at Moxie Eatery, then drove to Grand Adventures Snowmobiling Winter Park!

The roads in Denver are spacious and wide. Everyone drives so safe too. I was in awe looking at the snowy mountains. If you’re planning to go here for snowmobiling, make sure to go around the hotel building. The snowmobiling area is in the back. We checked in for our 2:45pm guided-tour appointment but didn’t go until 3:30pm. We were a bit bummed because the sun was slowly setting. We signed waiver forms and they let you borrow their snow boots and helmets. The elevation was high and I was out of breathe. I needed to sit down in the hotel lobby and relax before we went out.

We met our tour guide, Henry, and he went over the rules and showed us how to start our snowmobiles. The people who are experienced goes first and the ones who aren’t experienced with snowmobiling goes last. I was last haha.

It was easy to control! It’s just a button and break on the handles. I thought there was going to be some foot work, but nope, just all in the hands. The handles are also heated too! How cool! The ride up and down the mountain was beautiful and cold.

We had about 2-3 stops to look at the views and take photos. It was quick stops. I wished we had longer time to take in the views and photos. I’m not sure why the stops were so quick? Maybe because it was getting colder and the sun was setting or it’s just that fast in general?

My goggles fogged up and Henry had extras so we traded. Henry/Grand Adventures also had hand warmers as well. Thank you for that!

It was a great experience. I would definitely do it again, but maybe earlier in the day to get more of the sunlight. But hey, I did snowmobiling in the day and at night! 🙂 The picture below was taken professionally and I purchased it.

After that, we headed to Christy Sports to rent our ski and snowboarding gear for the next day. It was my first time ever skiing. Our guy, Mango, was super helpful with the gears.

Then we went to Hops&Pie for dinner. The mac and cheese was really good.

Day 2:

We drove to Breckenridge Ski Resort and look at the road!! How spacious and empty!

We parked at the bottom for $12 and they had a free short bus ride to the main parking lot to go up the gondola to the resort.

After we got off, I was not ready.

The boots and equipment is HEAVY. My shin started to hurt and I walked super slow. We used the restroom then headed to the beginner’s lift. I was sliding and slipping all around. It is definitely a lot of leg muscles. Then one of the workers told us that there’s a section to learn how to ski. We were at an area with a high hill and the other place has a smaller hill. We went over there and I felt bad, so I told Kelly & Priscilla to go snowboarding. I didn’t want them to wait on me.

While they went, I practiced on my own. This area was definitely easier. There were instructors on the side helping other people and I was just learning by listening and watching them. Luckily this place had a mini escalator to go up the hill then slide down. I did it!

After 2-3 hours, we grabbed lunch and I rested for the day while they went on one more lift. Just seeing and observing, it was a bittersweet moment for me. Bittersweet because I wasted money on buying a lift ticket, thinking I would be able to go high up in the mountain – which I could have then went back down on the lift, but I didn’t. I always like to think positive and say that the money went to the resort. Another bittersweet filling is that I also did it. I skied down a small hill, so it wasn’t all a waste ;). I learned something. I know how to take off my boots, put it on, etc. Also, it was very nice to just sit, observe, and hear the sound of the snow swishing as people were snowboarding and skiing down. A tip for anyone who hasn’t skied/snowboard before, do not get a lift ticket. Learn how to really ski and snowboard beforehand. And, I need to work out more to be able to carry my equipment haha.

After that, we returned our gear at Christy’s Sport and went to Blue Moon Brewery and wow! The beer was so good and the interior was awesome! Look at the barrel booth we sat in!

Then we went to Los Carbonitos for our late dinner. It was good and the sauces were SUPER spicy!

Day 3:

We went to Snooze, an A.M. Eatery and the wait was only 15-20 minute around 10:30am.

So, you all will get to know me a little bit more, but if you did/didn’t know, I used to watch the Bachelor/ette a lot! Now, I’m not invested in the show anymore as I was years ago.

Before this trip happened, I saw on IG that Chase had opened up his new restaurant, Revel Social and told Kelly & Priscilla that we should go to his place for brunch, or the bar at night/NYE. We didn’t end up planning to go there for NYE, but after Snooze, we walked over to Revel Social (only a 5 minute walk)…and omg…I saw Chase through the window and my heart raced so fast. We both waved. What were the chances?!

I went inside, introduced myself and my old roommates and congratulated him on the restaurant.

He called us out for going to Snooze. We had a ToGo box from there. LOL. *facepalm*
How embarrassing!! I apologized and said, “But we’re here to support you.” He thanked us, told us to come in for a drink, and we did. He was leaving soon, so I asked him for a photo. Thank you Chase! The drinks and service was good. The entire restaurant had nice aesthetics.

My legs were shaking taking this photo with him LOL.

After that we went to Red Rocks Amphitheater. Wow, such a beautiful venue. I would not mind seeing a concert here in the future!! There was a free museum to check out the history of musicians, bands, and artists that had performed there.

Then we went outside and enjoyed the view.

After that, we explored downtown Denver. It was only a 25 minute drive from Red Rock to downtown. How close!! You could also see downtown from the top of Red Rock too!

We had at Angelo’s Taverna for happy hour!

Then we went to the Botanic Gardens – Blossom of Lights. We purchased tickets in advance and it was $16.

The stroll ended at the gift shop. It was super cute!

Then we went back to downtown to see more lights and headed to Avanti Food & Bar.

Day 4:

It snowed! We planned to go to Gardens of the Gods, but it was scary driving in the snow so we explored a little bit more of downtown. I was impressed seeing the Chinese Zodiac sculpture here. I felt some good vibes. 2018 was year of the dog and I am year of the dog, so I felt something good just visiting this on the last day of 2018. I hope 2019 will be better for me and everyone too!

Then we had lunch at Hapa Sushi Grill & Bar. It was okay.

We also stopped by the Union Station too.

Then we grabbed ice-cream at Little Man Ice Cream. Are we crazy or what? It was 12 degrees! Haha.

Our last dinner of 2018 was at Di Francos.

Then we went to Ian’s Pizza to grab food for the late night after celebrating NYE. We didn’t realize it was across from Revel Social until we got there. How convenient for a late night snack!

We went back to our Airbnb & got ready for the pub crawl. There were no long lines to get it inside the bars nor a long wait at the bar to get a drink either. We rang in 2019 in Denver! Happy New Years everyone!

Thank you Denver. You were so fun and safe! Everyone was so friendly!  I loved the vibes in Denver. I cannot wait to be back and experience a hot springs. I want to explore more of Colorado in general. Thank goodness it’s only a 2 hour flight from me! #viviansventures

As always, thank you for visiting Vivian’s Ventures. Have you been to Denver? If so, tell me in the comments/reply section of your experience. What should I do there if I go back? If you haven’t been, tell me what you are planning to do there. Any questions or comments, let me know.